I was on youtube the other day doing some research for a piece that I am practicing now. I came across a video where Gary Karr was being interviewed by Barry Lieberman I believe. Having played bass for as long as I have it would be unheard of to not take in some of the work by one of if not, the greatest bassist of the 20th century. They were listening to some old recording done by Karr during his younger years. The first piece I heard them play was the Eccles sonata in G minor. It was one of the most pure sounds I have ever heard from any instrument that ever played this piece. From the moment you heard the first note from othat first movement I felt as if I was being transported to another place. The intensity and purity of the intonation was definitely one of a kind. The tempo of first movement is generally slow but on hearing that recording one couldn't help but be in a meditative mood, as the piece encouraged you to take in each note and each beat bit by bit. Ever since then I have been really taken in by that piece. Thank goodness the Royal Schools of Music have it on their syllabus for Grade 8 (at least the 2nd and 3rd movements) but I intend on learning the entire sonata. Maybe even perform it next year in Queen's Hall, who knows?